Lessons from the Traveler IV: a blueprint for advancing university-led aerospace projects in Latin America

Koo K.E.S.; Martinez R.A.C.; Duran-Aquino R.C. · Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2025) · DOI: 10.52202/083097-0133

Resumen

In 2019, the Traveler IV rocket, designed and built entirely by students at the University of Southern California's Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, achieved an extraordinary milestone by crossing the Karman line, reaching a height of 103.6 kilometers. This paper examines the critical factors that enabled this student-led team to successMly design, construct, and launch a rocket into space, a feat unprecedented in university aerospace programs. Through a detailed analysis of the technical, organizational, and financial strategies employed, we identify key aspects of the Traveler IV's development that could serve as a model for advancing aerospace engineering education within Latin American universities. The lessons derived from this achievement reveal practical pathways to foster local expertise, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and secure funding in resource-limited environments. This paper aims to inspire and guide Latin American academic institutions in establishing robust aerospace initiatives, ultimately contributing to the region's growing interest and capabilities in space exploration and engineering innovation. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos